With the big names running riot on the training paddock, the nib Newcastle Knights performance staff have zeroed in on the emerging talents at the Club.
Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples, identified Brayden Musgrove and Sale Finau in this week's injury update.
Injury Report: Squad update
Musgrove, a centre, is in his second NRL pre-season with the Knights and close to joining his teammates on a regular basis.
"Brayden did his ACL last year and he has come through a really comprehensive return to play program," Cupples said.
"We're looking at integrating him into parts of footy sessions with coaches.
"We started that this week.
"We should see Brayden into full training in hopefully two and a half, to three weeks' time."
Sale Finau arrived at the Club in the pre-season having dealt with shoulder problems.
Unfortunately for the outside back, he required surgery after a few weeks of training.
"He went in for a shoulder reconstruction," Cupples said.
"He's built through his strength phase and done plenty of off-feet conditioning.
"He's just starting back in that field running... still a fair way to go along the process for him."
Soul TV with Pasami Saulo
While Slade Griffin, Tautau Moga and Jacob Saifiti continue in their recovery, the bulk of the roster are training without issue.
"It's getting smaller and smaller, the group," Cupples said.
"There's a few young guys we're now rolling back into that first grade."
Injured players and expected return dates:
Tautau Moga (ACL - Early Rounds)
Jacob Saifiti (Leg - Indefinite)
Slade Griffin (ACL - Indefinite)
Bradman Best (MCL - Round 1)
Sale Finau (Shoulder - Indefinite)
Brayden Musgrove (ACL – Early Rounds)
